I Remember Everything
by Demitris Dejesus
For some reason
It would hit me on bus
M22
While on route to school
or heading back to Brooklyn
it was the smell of
powder scented perfume
like gas fume
slipping into my nose
I’d hope the scent wasn’t deadly
it’s usually not
The smell accompanies memories
I would remember us falling from clouds
I would be fixated on your eyes
I remember having our first kiss in staircases
after school hours
I was surprised you were nervous
just as nervous as me
it made me feel relaxed
to know you didn’t know what to do either
we can make this up as we go
leaning into the flow
“weird” I whisper to myself
I remember writing those words
Writing these words
Speaking about Déjà vu
Writing about the past
As if it’s happened yesterday,
When I smell fresh powder perfume
And the scent of lilies
It takes me back to those days
it always happens on this bus
M22
On my way home
Heading back into Brooklyn
